Known for bringing the best works from across the globe to an intimate setting in Ann Arbor, Performance Network Theatre is doing it again with the Michigan premiere of the 2009 Tony-winner for Best Play, “God of Carnage” by Yasmina Reza. This co-production, which is currently running at the Jewish Ensemble Theatre in West Bloomfield, comes to Ann Arbor on January 12 and runs through February 19, 2012. It is directed by David Magidson and features Joseph Albright ( “Take Me Out,” “It Came From Mars”), Sarab Kamoo (“Sonia Flew,” “The War Since Eve”), Phil Powers (“The Drowsy Chaperone”) and Suzi Regan (“The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead”).
Boys will be boys, but adults will be worse! In this high-energy comedy, two couples meet at one of their homes to discuss a playground altercation between their young children. Hostility rumbles just under the surface, as their civilizEd Battle of wits and words devolves into a hilariously chaotic evening, where nothing is safe, including the furniture. A tour-de-force for four actors by the author of “Art,” this comedy of (bad) manners will change the way you look at polite conversation.
“God of Carnage” opened in the West End at the Gielgud Theatre in March 2008. The Guardian review said “All four actors are excellent and, in Matthew Warchus’s deft production, show the thin veneer of bourgeois pretence.” After some minor modifications to accommodate an American audience, a Broadway production opened at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in March, 2009, starring Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden. It closed on June 6, 2010 playing 24 previews and 452 regular performances, becoming the third-longest running play of the 2000s (after “The 39 Steps” and “August: Osage County”). It was nominated for six Tony awards and won for Best Play, Best Leading Actress in a Play and Best Direction of a Play.
Weekly performances are Thursdays at 7:30, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm, with 3pm Saturday matinees on January 28 and February 11.
Tickets can be ordered at the Performance Network Box Office at 734-663-0681, online at
www.performancenetwork.org or by coming to the Performance Network Theatre (120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor, 48104) Monday-Saturday 11-6 or one hour before a performance. Tickets are priced at $22 - $41, with discounts available for seniors, members, students and groups. There is a pay-what-you-can performance on January 12 (suggested donation of $15).
“God of Carnage” contains adult language and themes and is not suitable for those under age 17.
Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor’s only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and the Children’s Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.
Photo Credit: James Cheek
